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Dear Bull Run Families,
It was wonderful seeing so many of our new and returning families at our first night of Back to School Night, and I look forward to seeing even more tonight! I hope you all got a great insight into what the year will look like for your students!
Get ready to show off your school pride tomorrow, Friday September 18th for our first SCA Spirit Day: the Class Color Challenge! Your child's teacher should have been communicating with you what color they should be wearing tomorrow. Please contact them if you have any questions.
Have a wonderful weekend!
-Mr. Marotta
*The full FCPS 2026-2027 calendar can be accessed here.
Shown here is Bull Run's way of highlighting influential Hispanic and Latino artists in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Thank you to Ms. Watkins for her hard work on this display.
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September 18: SCA Spirit Day (see information below in the Spirit Days section)
September 20-21: Yom Kippur (observance) begins and ends at Sundown
September 21: NO SCHOOL (Yom Kippur)
September 23: Introduction to AAP & Continuum of Services (Open to all K-6 Families)
Zoom information: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/92414928555?pwd=Tek7x6FJgHsmpA2ISckaBirhk0447t.1
Passcode: 409629
September 25: PTA’s Back To School Bash event, 5:30pm-7:30pm
September 26 to Oct. 4: Blue Star Welcome Week
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Students from Mrs. Louie's 3rd grade classroom continue to cash in their Charger Bucks to get free books from our book vending machine! #chargerSTRONG
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Our students in 5th grade have been busy exploring and learning up close! In class recently, students gathered in small groups to observe, examine, and write down their observations about plant anatomy using real corn cobs. It was a great way to bring science lessons to life, as a way to kick off their first unit of the Benchmark Advance Literacy Curriculum (featured in the image are students from Mrs. Frasnelli's class).
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I am thrilled to share some great news!
We have officially been recognized by the Special Olympics as a National Unified Champion School!
We are 1 of now 11 total FCPS schools, and only the 4th elementary school that hold this honor. It shows that our school goes beyond basic participation and deeply weaves inclusion into its everyday culture.
Next month they will be sending our official banner. Our official Inclusion Revolution Week will take place later in December, the week prior to Winter Break, where we will unveil the banner and kick off the week with a pep-rally!
Thank you to all of our staff, students and families for all you do in support of inclusive opportunities here at Bull Run!
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We want YOU to join our 2026-2027 Bull Run Chorus!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th is the DEADLINE TO SIGN UP.
Sign up for Chorus (5th and 6th graders only) Click Here to Register
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Volunteers and Visitors at Bull Run: Beginning September 21st.
To ensure a smooth transition for all students, we will not be accepting classroom visitors or volunteers until the week of September 21st. This pause applies to all volunteer roles, including Wednesday Folder stuffers and library helpers, as well as guest visits to the cafeteria to eat lunch with your child.
Reserving these first few weeks exclusively for students and staff allows our young learners to build independence and confidence as they master school routines without added distractions. Additionally, it gives our staff the time needed to finalize classroom schedules, foster strong classroom communities, and fully solidify building security and guest sign-in procedures. We deeply appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we lay a strong, safe foundation for the year ahead, and we look forward to welcoming our wonderful family volunteers into the building starting September 21st!
****If you completed the volunteer process last year you should have gotten a survey in June asking if you would like to continue to be a volunteer this school year.
If you answered that survey, you do not have to do anything to continue to volunteer this school year. You are approved/active and are still in the system.
If you did not answer the survey, you will have to sign into your profile and click the button saying you want to start the process and volunteer again. You do not have to start the whole process over. By clicking this button it will activate you and put you back into the volunteer system.****
Any questions, please contact Coral August @ 703-227-1400.
TIPS AND REMINDERS:
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ALL VISITORS (FOR ANY REASON) MUST HAVE THEIR PHYSICAL IDENTIFICATION TO ENTER THE BUILDING.
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All volunteers must be registered in the county system. Level 1 is required to help with Wednesday Folders, in the classrooms, etc. If you want to be considered to be a chaperone for any field trips, you would need to register as a Level 2. Please see the Volunteering Sign-Up Process blelow:
Step 1: Go to FCPS website
Step 2:Search for VOLUNTEER
Step 3:Click on VOLUNTEER PROCESS
Step 4:Click on SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER
Step 5:Click on SCHOOLS
Step 6:Scroll down to BULL RUN -Learn More
Step 7:Click on GENERAL VOLUNTEERING – Learn More
Step 8: Click on SIGN UP
Step 9:Click on LOG IN or NEW VOLUNTEER
Step 10:Fill out the Volunteer Profile to get started!!
- If you haven't already done so, please create an account on the Raptor security sign-in system to save yourself time when visiting our building!
https://raptortech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Raptor-Safe-Visitor-Install-and-Onboading-2025.pdf
Upcoming PTA Events:
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Back to School Bash: September 25
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Trunk or Treat: October 30
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Winterfest: December 4
The PTA Needs You!
Join the PTA to have a voice in shaping your child’s school, build lasting connections with families and teachers, and help create opportunities that make every student’s experience stronger and more successful.
- Volunteer for PTA "Power Hours" - Sign Up Today
- Can't volunteer time? The PTA has an Amazon Wishlist for event supplies for the upcoming events.
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BACK TO SCHOOL BASH!
When: September 25, 5:30pm in the back of Bull Run Elementary School
Join us for an evening full of FUN, GAMES & COMMUNITY!
Please note: Some games and activities require tickets. Tickets are $1 each.
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Obstacle Course
- Face Painting
- Games & Activities
- Concessions
- And MORE!
Bring the whole family and come kick off the school year with us! We can’t wait to see you there! Let’s make it a great school year!
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Chess Club All Grades: September 28-December 14 | Mondays | 4:15-5:15 PM Cost: $220 REGISTER |
RunFit Kidz
Who: Grades 1–6
When: Tuesdays, 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM (Sep 22 – Nov 10)
Celebration 5K: Sunday, November 15 at Fairfax Corner
Cost: $134 (Includes $5 school admin fee)
Details: Professional coaches teach running mechanics, pacing, strength, and healthy nutrition habits. Registration includes a RunFit Kidz T-shirt, mileage tokens, 5K entry, finisher medal, and a post-race party!
Register: Visit prtrainingprograms.com/runfit-kidz
(Click on "register now" and select Bull Run Elementary School)
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Join us for the Kids and Masters Art Program at Bull Run Elementary! Students will explore their creativity and try new techniques, including a special two-hour clay session.
Quick Details:
When: Thursdays, 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM (Sept 24 – Dec 10)
Where: Art Room 226
Cost: $204 (All materials included)
Discounts: 20% off for staff children | 10% off for siblings
Space is limited to 20 students!
Register today at: kids-and-masters-art.square.site Questions? Email enchantedpath@earthlink.net or call 703-589-7891 (please include your child's school name).
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Sponsored by the BRES PTA, these introductory music classes require no prior experience or instrument. Parents and teachers are welcome to join as well!
Who: Guitar for Grades 1–3 (with Ms. Berg); Piano for Grades 3–6 (with Dr. Lee)
When: Tuesdays, 4:15–5:15 PM | Sept 22 – Nov 10 (No class on Nov 3)
Cost: $140 for 7 weeks (+$15 fee if you don't own a guitar; includes a take-home portable fretboard)
Deadline: Register by Saturday, Sept 12
How to Join: Visit www.MusicallyCreative.com
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Not Just Dance After School Theatre Program A fun environment for kids to build confidence, communication, and imagination through improv games, role-playing, choreography, and scene work.
Who: Grades 1–6
When: Fridays, 4:15–5:15 PM | Sept 18 – Dec 18, 2026 (10 weeks; No class Sept 25, Oct 30, Nov 27, Dec 4)
Cost: $145 per student (includes a $5 PTA fee)
Deadline: Register by Wednesday, Sept 16, 2026 (First come, first serve)
How to Join: Register at notjustdance.net/special-programs/after-school-program/ or call 571-392-3209
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SYA After School Soccer Club Get active after school with co-ed skills, games, and fun!
Who: Grades 1–4
When: Wednesdays, 4:15–5:15 PM | Sep 7 – Nov 4, 2026 (No club on Oct 21)
Where: Indoors at Bull Run ES
Cost: $180 for 8 weeks
How to Join: Register at www.syasports.org or email info@syasports.org
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SYA Winter Sports Programs
Who: Boys and girls, ages 5–18
Sports Offered: Basketball, Wrestling, and Soccer Camp
Special Discount: Save $15 off if you register before September 30 (no promo code needed)!
How to Register: Visit www.syasports.org or email info@syasports.org
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Free SYA Multi-Sport Clinic
Try out multiple sports for free with SYA!
When: Sunday, Oct 4 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: SYA Sports Park
Cost: Free (registration required)
Sign Up: Save your spot at syasports.org.
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Overtime Athletics Flag Football
Grades K–2: Mondays, 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM (Sep 28 – Nov 30)
Grades 3–6: Thursdays, 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM (Sep 24 – Nov 12)
Cost: $160
Details: Designed to keep students engaged with positive energy, active play, team skills, and structured fun!
Register: Visit www.otathletics.com or email DMV@otathletics.com
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Join the Westfield High School Dance Team for a fun dance clinic!
Who: 2nd–8th Graders
Clinic: Sunday, Sept 27 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM @ Westfield
Perform: Dance at halftime during the Varsity Homecoming Game on Friday, Oct 2 at 7:00 PM!
Cost: $65 ($70 walk-in) — includes snacks, lunch, and a t-shirt.
Register: Scan the QR code on the flyer. Payments accepted via cash, check, money order, or My School Bucks.
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CVHS Homecoming 2026!
Get ready for a fun night of Homecoming celebrations on Friday, October 9th!
Homecoming Parade: 5:00 PM @ Little Rocky Run
Tailgate Party: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM @ Parking Lot (featuring food trucks, face painting, and more!)
Football Game: 7:00 PM @ Home vs. Chantilly
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Jersey Day! Every First Friday of the Month!
Bull Run Elementary encourages every student and staff member to wear a jersey, shirt or colors of their favorite team or sport!
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BULL RUN FRIDAYS!
Bull Run Elementary encourages every student to wear our school colors (blue & white), or school spirit wear every Friday! This is a simple way we can show our community pride! Make a plan with friends and see how many of you can participate! Staff often wear their blue and white or Spirit Wear on Fridays too!
https://bullrun.deco-apparel.com/ Order Bull Run Spirit Wear at any time to get ready for the school year!
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Get ready to show off your school pride on September 18th for our very first SCA Spirit Day: the Class Color Challenge!
How to Participate:
Pick a Color: Classes will work together as a team to choose ONE single color for their entire class (contact your child's teacher for specifics)
Dress up: Show your spirit by wearing that same chosen color from head to toe on September 18th!
Get Creative: Have fun, unleash your class pride, and help make our school bright and colorful!
Class Competition: Our School Administration will be visiting classrooms throughout the day to select the TOP 3 CLASSES showing the absolute most color spirit!
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Benchmark Advance Weekly Update:
Learning About Life Science in Language Arts
Benchmark Unit 1 in Language Arts is about life science. Students in K-5 will be learning about plants, animals, and nature. Sixth grade students will learn about the natural balance of nature.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
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Question: What are some ways we can take care of nature and living things?
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Activity: Pick an animal and act out how it moves or survives in its habitat — see if family members can guess!
At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.
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Want to learn how FCPS uses Lexia Core5 and PowerUp to support reading growth, device usage, and AI? Join a virtual session on Zoom at bit.ly/2627FamilyZoom:
Sept 23: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Oct 7: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Oct 21: 5:00 – 6:00 PM or 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Nov 4: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
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Twice Exceptional Students
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities.
Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.
New information, including printable flyers, has been added under the heading Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS.
For more information, please contact Stephanie Will, SDWill@fcps.edu
Recognizing BRES staff who go above and beyond
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for families, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Bull Run Elementary. We love our staff members; let's tell them how we feel!
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Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30
The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.
We ask that families please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.
Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.
Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.
A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):
- Monday, September 28, at Riverside Elementary School
- Monday, October 19, at Spring Hill Elementary School
- Monday, October 26, at Beech Tree Elementary School
- Thursday, October 29, at North Springfield Elementary School
- Friday, November 13, at Colin Powell Elementary School
Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Our Focus on Academic Growth and Excellence
The FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
The third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful, including reading on level by third grade. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice.
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Reporting Discrimination or Harassment
FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available
Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students
Register now for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students. The free conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS in collaboration with community partners, the conference highlights the power of partnerships in supporting student success. Families, educators, and community members are invited to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall with local resources, and lunch for all participants.
Register for the conference and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families
Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:
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School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
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FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family involvement.
- The FCPS Family Academy is where families can learn and get support for their child’s school journey. Check out its catalog for upcoming classes, workshops, and webinars to help families learn about FCPS, parenting, early literacy, and how to partner with schools.
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Do You Know About Family Liaisons – Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. Find out how family liaisons can support you and your family.
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Study Help and Support Available to Students in Schoology: A new Schoology Study and Support Hub is available for students in Schoology. This space was developed by the FCPS Educational Technology Team with input from students. It is designed to provide essential study tools and academic support resources directly to our learners. Students can log in to Schoology and read their Schoology announcements or watch this video on the support hub for more information
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Parent Information Lines Available in Eight Languages
Family Information Line Available in Nine Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
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FCPS This Week
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Military Families Find a Community in FCPS
- Receive FCPS This Week in Other Languages
- Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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#chargerSTRONG
 Mr. Marotta, Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Rozzoni are proud of our #chargerSTRONG community!
Want to view previous Bull Run Bulletins? Click here.
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